Colourfully displayed at the back of the booklet are nine issues of operas and recitals from which this new collection draws most of its material: representative of a catalogue which lives up to its name and is second to none in doing noble service within its chosen field. ‘Tyrants and Lovers’ will hope to catch the eye of some who have not yet ventured as far as the complete operas on offer. Perhaps the striking reproduction of Fragonard’s The Bolt (‘every picture tells a story’ and some interesting stories could no doubt be told by this one) will entice others who would not otherwise be interested. Whatever the means‚ the disc should make a few converts and certainly should please those who‚ keen on Puccini‚ are not too sure about Pacini and who‚ knowing Verdi’s Falstaff‚ might care to strike up acquaintance with Balfe’s. That‚ however‚ focuses attention on another member of the possibly interested public. The loyal Opera Rara devotee may in fact have just cause for complaint‚ for here are three previously unpublished items‚ for which the collector who has everything else may still feel obliged to part with good money. The women’s trio from Falstaff (1838) is spirited and eventually sports a good tune sung in convivial unison. A tenor solo from Donizetti’s Torquato Tasso opens with some fiery declamation and settles down to a melodious aria. From Buondelmonte‚ also Donizetti‚ comes a real surprise – the ‘Send her victorious’ finale of Maria Stuarda replotted and arranged (more interestingly?) for men’s voices. And this it is which will weigh heavily with the faithful‚ and on account of which good money may after all change hands. A fine company of singers has been assembled to reward such expenditure‚ and the programme plays well on its own account – you have these sets on the shelves maybe‚ but there is still a lot to be said for an anthology like this which draws attention to particular items. George Hall’s booklet notes are unfailingly helpful and David Parry’s conducting of the various orchestras is sure in its control as in its feeling for idiom.